IAM Committees Gather in St. Louis for National Conference
Wet Weather Doesn’t Dampen Union Spirit
St. Louis, MO — Despite wet and rainy weather throughout the week, solidarity was shining bright at the IAM Committee Conference held at the Marriott Grand St. Louis, where union members and leaders from across the country came together to strengthen unity, share knowledge, and reaffirm their commitment to the labor movement.
Among those proudly representing IAM Local 845 out of Las Vegas were Committee Chair Jason Weidman, Committee Secretary and Local 845 President Daria Kemp, and Committee Members Jeannie Garcia and Paul Heart, representing the United Airlines side of the house. Joining them from the American Airlines delegation were AA Committee Chair Mark Romonoski, Committee Representative Mike Hollifield, and Assistant General Chairman (AGC) Mike Maiorino.
Leadership Addresses Inspire and Inform
Conference attendees were treated to powerful addresses from IAM International President Bryan Bryant, IAM District 141 General Vice President (GVP) Mike Klemm, Transportation Territory GVP Richie Johnson, and IAM Political and Legislative Director Hassan Solomon.
Each speaker spoke passionately about the continued fight for workers’ rights, the importance of solidarity in the face of corporate challenges, and the critical role unions play in shaping the political and economic landscape of our country. Solomon’s remarks on the current state of U.S. politics emphasized the importance of political engagement, voter education, and standing behind candidates who stand with labor.
Breakout Sessions Build Strength and Solutions
Delegates from both United Airlines and American Airlines participated in focused breakout sessions addressing the current state of affairs both above and below the wing. These sessions provided a collaborative forum to discuss grievance handling, safety initiatives, and peer-to-peer conflict resolution—key components in maintaining strong, fair, and safe workplaces.
Updates on United Airlines Negotiations
During the conference, District 141 GVP Mike Klemm provided an important update on the ongoing contract negotiations with United Airlines, detailing the progress being made and the challenges that remain. Klemm reaffirmed the IAM’s unwavering commitment to securing a fair and equitable agreement for all United Airlines members.
Looking Ahead
Though the skies over St. Louis were gray, the energy and dedication of IAM delegates were anything but. The conference served as a reminder that no matter the weather, IAM members continue to stand united, informed, and ready to take on the challenges ahead—together.
